Christmas Cactus Care

Discussion in 'Cacti and Succulents' started by rascalboy, Oct 24, 2007.

  1. rascalboy

    rascalboy Member

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    Hello,
    Well, our christmas cactus(s) have never done particularly well, but they've at least lived awhile.
    Recently though, they we moved to the kitchen window sill, that leads to the family room (a few months ago). A few feet above that, is a single light, that is normally on all the time, although it burned out a few weeks ago.
    One cactus has leaves that are turning brown, and dying. The other doesn't look so good either. That one that's looking the worst, might need more soil (not much left in the pot). The soil in both is very dry, but I'm reluctant to add too much water.
    How often should they be watered? What kind of soil is best?
     
  2. markinwestmich

    markinwestmich Active Member

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    "Christmas Cactus" are those belonging to the Schlumbergera family of epiphytic, tree-dwelling, "jungle cacti". Here is a web link that should answer your questions. http://cactiguide.com/growcacti/ In particular, read the section on "jungle cacti".

    Mark
     
  3. Bluewing

    Bluewing Well-Known Member

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    The link given is a good one and you'll will get lots of good info.

    Sounds like your cactus is in need of some good natural light and water. Artificial warm lamp light can keep plants from flowering. Bright indirect light is best. Water thoroughly when dry. Keep your cactus in a cool room if you can, about 60 degrees. The coolness helps set buds as well as the shorter daylight hours.
    A cool room also keeps flowers flowering longer. Feed in spring and summer, stop feeding when you see buds.
     
  4. rascalboy

    rascalboy Member

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    Thank you for the link; it was very informative, and I loved the pictures too,

    Well, we don't have to worry about it being too hot; it's fall now, and the temp. keeps jumping. I believe it's cold now... Lol, I hope I get the aloe moved before the frost; it's next to a window now...

    Yesterday I added water to both of the c. cactus. I was told that they don't like to be moved, so setting them in the window sill for morning sun, and then moving them back to the kitchen, wouldn't be a good idea?
     
  5. Bluewing

    Bluewing Well-Known Member

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    The morning sun is all they need, the jungle cactus would do fine in just indirect light as well, no need to move them. I have a couple of these plants that bud and flower in just a north window, no sun at all when it gets cooler.
    When in bud though, they shouldn't be moved, or turned until the buds are close to being about an inch long, when they really more fully developed and more firmly attached to the leaves.
    When the buds are still tiny and the plant is then turned, the buds will then try and turn their tiny heads towards the light in the "opposite direction" and you could see some mild, or major bud drop.
     
  6. Rhynno

    Rhynno Active Member

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    That was a very good link. Especially the part that has a link to this page http://cactus.biology.dal.ca/paulS/christmas/christmas.html . I never knew that you could add vinegar to the water to get the acidity up like that. I'll have to try it with my own Christmas Cactus plant.

    Good luck with yours!
     

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